Grilling is a beloved pastime for many Americans, with 64% of adults owning a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. If you‘re one of the millions of people who recently purchased a new grill, congratulations! You‘re well on your way to enjoying delicious outdoor meals with family and friends.
But before you can fire up your new appliance, you have to put it together first. For the 85% of grill owners who opt for a gas grill, this can be an especially daunting task, with many small parts, fixtures, and fittings to assemble.
If you bought your grill from Home Depot, however, you can take advantage of the retailer‘s convenient grill assembly services and leave the hard work to the professionals. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Home Depot‘s grill assembly offerings, including:
- What types of grills Home Depot assembles
- Comparing in-store vs. at-home assembly services
- Grill assembly costs and additional services
- How long grill assembly takes
- Options for preassembled grills
- Expert tips for buying and maintaining a grill
Whether you‘re a first-time grill buyer or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you navigate your options and make the most of Home Depot‘s grill assembly services. Let‘s dive in!
Grill Assembly at Home Depot: The Basics
Home Depot is one of the largest retailers of grills in the United States, with a wide selection of gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric models from top brands like Weber, Traeger, and Nexgrill. When you purchase a grill from Home Depot, you have two main options for assembly:
- In-store assembly: Home Depot will put your grill together for free before you take it home.
- At-home assembly: For an additional fee, Home Depot will deliver your grill and have a professional assemble it at your home.
The type of assembly you choose depends on factors like the size of your vehicle, your budget, your DIY skills and physical abilities, and your schedule. We‘ll go into more detail on each option in the following sections.
Whichever route you choose, having your grill professionally assembled by Home Depot offers several benefits:
- Saves time and hassle of putting the grill together yourself
- Ensures all parts are accounted for and assembled correctly
- Gives you confidence that your grill is safe to operate
- Allows you to start grilling sooner
- Provides recourse if there are missing or defective parts
According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation, 58% of consumers are willing to pay more for a product if it comes with added convenience – and grill assembly certainly falls into that category for many shoppers.
In-Store vs. At-Home Grill Assembly: Key Differences
To decide whether in-store or at-home grill assembly makes the most sense for you, it‘s important to understand the key differences between the two services. Here‘s a quick breakdown:
| In-Store Assembly | At-Home Assembly |
|---|---|
| Free for all grills purchased in-store | Requires an additional fee of $99-$179 depending on grill size |
| Can be completed in 2-4 hours on a first-come, first-served basis | Requires scheduling an appointment, usually within 2 days of delivery |
| Pick up your assembled grill same-day | Assembly takes 1-2 hours once the technician arrives |
| You are responsible for transporting the assembled grill home | Grill is delivered and assembled at your home, with packaging materials removed |
| Best for small to mid-size grills that can fit in your vehicle | Ideal for larger grills or if you don‘t have a suitable vehicle for transport |
In general, in-store assembly is the most budget-friendly and convenient option, as long as you have a way to get your assembled grill home safely. However, at-home assembly offers a "white glove" experience that may be worth the extra cost for some shoppers – especially if you purchased a high-end or large grill.
Home Depot Grill Assembly Cost and Other Fees
So how much does it actually cost to have your grill assembled by Home Depot? The answer depends on the type of assembly you choose and the size of your grill.
For in-store assembly, the service is complimentary for all grills purchased from Home Depot. You simply pay for the grill itself, plus any applicable sales tax.
If you opt for at-home assembly, Home Depot charges an additional fee based on the width of your grill:
- $99 for grills less than 50 inches wide
- $179 for grills greater than 50 inches wide
Keep in mind that this is on top of the cost of the grill itself, plus sales tax and a delivery fee of $75.
Home Depot does offer one complimentary service with at-home assembly: removal and disposal of your old grill, if you have one. This is a convenient perk that can save you time and effort.
So, for example, let‘s say you purchased a Weber Genesis II E-315 gas grill from Home Depot, which retails for $779. The grill is 47 inches wide, so at-home assembly would cost $99. If you need your old grill disposed of, that service is included for free. So your total cost for the grill, assembly, and old grill removal would be:
- Grill: $779
- Assembly: $99
- Old grill removal: $0
- Sales tax (varies by location): ~$70
- Delivery fee: $75
- Total: $1,023
In contrast, if you chose in-store assembly for the same grill, your total cost would be just the price of the grill plus tax, or around $849. Of course, you would need to have a vehicle that could fit the assembled grill (which measures 62 inches wide by 31 inches deep by 47 inches tall) and be able to lift it out at home.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to pay extra for at-home assembly comes down to your budget, preferences, and capabilities. But it‘s important to factor the full cost of assembly into your decision when comparing grills from different retailers.
How Long Does Grill Assembly Take at Home Depot?
One of the main reasons people choose professional assembly is to save time and get grilling faster. But how long does the process actually take at Home Depot?
For in-store assembly, most grills can be put together in 2-4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the model. Home Depot has dedicated grill assembly stations in many of its stores, with trained associates who can complete the process efficiently.
However, since in-store assembly is done on a first-come, first-served basis, it‘s a good idea to call your local store ahead of time to check on wait times, especially during peak grilling season (i.e. late spring and summer). Some stores may allow you to drop off your grill for assembly in the morning and pick it up later that afternoon or evening once it‘s ready.
If you choose at-home assembly, the process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the grill. However, the total time from purchase to completed assembly is longer, since you have to wait for your grill to be delivered first.
Home Depot usually delivers grills within 2-5 business days after your purchase. Once your grill arrives, you can call Home Depot‘s customer service line to schedule your assembly appointment, which is typically available within 2 days of delivery.
On the day of your appointment, be sure to have your grill accessible and in the exact spot you want it placed, as the technician will not be able to move it once assembled. Most appointments take around 2 hours, but be prepared for the technician to be in your space for longer just in case.
According to a report by the NPD Group, the average person spends just over 2 hours assembling a new grill themselves – so even with the additional delivery time, Home Depot‘s at-home assembly can still save you time versus doing it yourself.
What About Preassembled Grills at Home Depot?
If you want to skip the assembly process entirely, Home Depot does offer a selection of preassembled grills that are ready to use right out of the box. These grills are available both in-store and online, although the selection may be more limited than unassembled models.
Preassembled grills can be a good choice if you‘re short on time, don‘t have the necessary tools or skills for assembly, or simply want a plug-and-play option. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:
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Higher cost: Preassembled grills often come at a premium compared to unassembled models, since you‘re paying for the convenience of not having to put it together yourself. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $200 more for a preassembled grill.
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Limited selection: Not all grill models are available preassembled, so you may have to compromise on features, size, or brand if you go this route. This is especially true if you‘re shopping in-store, where floor space is limited.
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Difficult transport: Preassembled grills can be very large and heavy, making them challenging to fit into a standard vehicle and lift out at home. You may need to rent or borrow a truck to get your grill home safely.
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No customization: With a preassembled grill, what you see is what you get. You won‘t have the opportunity to customize or upgrade certain parts during the assembly process.
If you do decide to go with a preassembled grill from Home Depot, be sure to measure the dimensions carefully to ensure it will fit in your vehicle and your outdoor space. You may also want to compare prices and features with unassembled models to see if the added convenience is worth the extra cost.
Expert Tips for Buying and Maintaining Your Home Depot Grill
Choosing and assembling your grill is just the first step – to get the most out of your investment, it‘s important to properly maintain and care for your appliance over time. Here are some expert tips to help you buy and maintain your Home Depot grill:
Buying tips
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Assess your needs: Before you start shopping, think about how often you‘ll be grilling, how much space you have, and what types of food you‘ll be cooking. This will help you narrow down your options and choose a grill that fits your lifestyle.
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Set a budget: Grills can range from under $100 to over $3,000, so it‘s important to have a clear idea of how much you‘re willing to spend. Remember to factor in the cost of assembly, delivery, and any additional accessories you may need.
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Read reviews: Once you‘ve identified a few models that meet your needs and budget, read customer reviews on the Home Depot website and third-party sites like Consumer Reports. Pay attention to feedback on ease of use, durability, and customer service.
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Check for deals: Home Depot offers frequent sales and promotions on grills, especially around holidays like Memorial Day and Father‘s Day. You may also be able to find discounts through the Home Depot credit card or by signing up for email newsletters.
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Consider the warranty: Most grills come with a limited warranty that covers defects in materials or workmanship. Be sure to read the fine print and understand what is and isn‘t covered, as well as the length of the warranty period.
Maintenance tips
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Clean regularly: After each use, brush the grates with a wire brush to remove any food debris or buildup. Empty the grease tray and wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth.
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Deep clean annually: At least once a year, give your grill a thorough cleaning by removing the grates and burners and scrubbing them with soapy water. Clean the interior and exterior of the grill with a degreaser and rinse well.
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Protect from the elements: When not in use, cover your grill with a weatherproof cover to protect it from rain, snow, and debris. If possible, store your grill in a covered area like a garage or shed during the off-season.
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Check for leaks: Before each use, perform a leak test on your gas grill by applying soapy water to the hose and connections. If you see bubbles forming, there may be a leak that needs to be repaired before use.
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Replace parts as needed: Over time, certain parts of your grill may wear out or become damaged. Replace things like burners, grates, and igniters as needed to keep your grill functioning safely and efficiently.
By following these tips and taking advantage of Home Depot‘s grill assembly services, you can enjoy your new appliance for years to come with confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion
Buying and assembling a new grill can be a daunting task, but Home Depot makes it easy with a range of convenient assembly services. Whether you opt for free in-store assembly or the "white glove" experience of at-home assembly, you can trust that your grill will be put together correctly and safely.
While grill assembly at Home Depot does come at a cost – either in time or money – many shoppers find the added convenience and peace of mind to be well worth the investment. And with a wide selection of grills from top brands, competitive prices, and expert tips for maintenance and care, Home Depot is a smart choice for all your grilling needs.
So fire up your new Home Depot grill with confidence this season – and enjoy all the delicious meals and memories that come with it!
